Padres: MLB Talking Head Has A Hard Time Proving He Can Name 10 Players Better Than Manny Machado

Mad Dog had a lot to say about Friars star but could only contribute 6.

Manny Machado has been the talk of town recently following his announcement that he plans to opt out of his current contract and become a free agent next season. The star third basemen has watched San Diego hand out money to his teammates all offseason and they believe that he is next in line. Machado knows he is due for a massive payday and would like to see what the market has in store for his wallet.

Commanding that type of pay means skill and winning must be part of the equation and in Machado's case, they most definitely are. The 30-year-old was an NL MVP finalist last season and also led the Padres on a heroic run to the NL Championship series. The front office has done a great job of surrounding Machado with top-tier talent this year and he will not have to carry such a heavy load again.

Machado's 2022 season does beg the question: Where does he rank among the top players in the league? MLB show analysts Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo and Alana Rizzo debated whether or not he places in the top ten on their "High Heat" show.

Mad Dog on if Manny is a great player & top 10 player in MLB: “No, he’s not”

He then names 6 players—not 10–who he thinks are better: Devers, Judge, Harper, Betts, Freeman and Ramirez

Manny has a higher fWAR over the last 2 seasons than Betts, Devers & Harper 🤷🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/jxbPHU11Qa

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) February 17, 2023

"Is he a top ten player in Major League Baseball?," said Mad Dog. "No he's not, there's five who are better. Devers is better, Judge is better, Harper's better, Betts is better, and Freeman's better."

Mad Dog would also add Jose Ramirez, capping off his list with only six out of the promised ten. Rizzo on the other hand was a firm believer in Machado being a top player in the league as she eluded to his elite defense, leadership, and hitting.

Reports are suggesting that Machado will get paid like he is a top-10 player in the league regardless of what Mad Dog thinks.